Knowing Looks

The personalities of beautiful people are easier to read than those of individuals with less physical appeal, according to psychology researchers at the University of British Columbia in Vancouver. Volunteers talked briefly in small groups, then completed surveys about the others' looks and traits (including extroversion, agreeableness, emotional stability, and conscientiousness), as well as about their own character. The first impressions made of people tended to agree with their self-assessments much more when they were considered good-looking. Even those whose appearance wasn't widely admired still gained this advantage with people who liked their looks. The researchers posit that people are more motivated to get to know those whom they find attractive.